Kazakhstan Roundup: Economic resilience, environmental awakening, regional transport and diplomacy

Kazakhstan’s services sector powers through cost pressures

Kazakhstan’s service sector continued its expansion in July, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth with a Services PMI of 54.0, still well above the 50.0 growth threshold, despite rising input costs, according to. Although inflationary pressures intensified, driven by increases in raw materials, utilities, taxes, and currency fluctuations, firms reported easing cost burdens compared to earlier months. Domestic demand remains steady, but businesses are cautious about exchange rate risks and potential fiscal tightening.

'Clean Kazakhstan' campaign reshapes environmental thinking

President Tokayev’s nationwide Taza Kazakhstan campaign is transforming how citizens view environmental responsibility. Since its launch, over 9 million people have joined, taking part in 900+ clean-up events and planting nearly 2.5 million trees. The initiative blends grassroots action with advanced tools like satellite monitoring to unify communities in the green transition. These efforts aim not just to reduce waste but also to foster a shift in public attitudes toward conservation.

Iran and Kazakhstan accelerate North–South Corridor development

Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister agreed to fast-track development of the International North–South Transport Corridor (eastern branch). They endorsed a five-year roadmap to strengthen multimodal links, including maritime, rail, and flight connections, and study a prospective “Caspian Bridge” transit project via the Caspian Sea. This builds on earlier agreements to quadruple transit volumes between the two nations.

Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan deepen transport engagement

Kazakhstan’s Advisor to the President, Asel Janasova, and the head of Kazakhstan Railways met with Azerbaijan’s Digital Development and Transport Minister, Rashad Nabiyev, to discuss transport cooperation. The talks signal intent to enhance railway linkages and boost regional connectivity.

Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit to repay final $56m in state aid

Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit will repurchase 30 billion tenge ($55.8M) in bonds to clear the last of its 2023 government support, originally due in 2032. The bank has already prepaid 30 billion tenge since late 2024 and aims to complete repayment by 2026. Authorities have restricted dividend payments for aid recipients to encourage early repayment.